Bangkok: Mr. Pattana Promphat, Minister of Public Health, inaugurated the first-ever "National NUAD THAI and Wellness Expo 2026" at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. The event, held from August 20-22, 2026, featured a theme centered around "Celebrating Thai Wisdom, Fostering a New Economy, and Advancing Globally." The Expo was organized in partnership with the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine and other key stakeholders. Its primary objective was to promote Thai massage, herbal medicine, and health services on an international scale. This initiative aligns with the government's "Health for Wealth" policy, aiming to position Thailand as a world-class medical and wellness hub. The event was projected to draw over 50,000 participants during its three-day run. According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Pongsathorn Phokphermdee, Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, outlined the event's main goals. These included celebrating the wisdom of Thai m assage, raising the standards of Thai wellness services to meet international benchmarks, fostering innovation and investment networks, and enhancing the global image of Thailand's wellness economy. The Expo highlighted five key features: a free massage zone featuring over 70 massage beds operated by more than 100 skilled masseurs, showcasing unique Thai massage styles from the country's four regions; a VR DOME offering an immersive experience of Thai massage heritage through virtual reality; exhibitions of Thai herbal products and innovations such as sacred oils and specialized lipsticks; workshops and academic seminars focused on health; and B2B business matching sessions connecting Thai entrepreneurs with international investors and wellness networks.